TV3’s Aidan Cooney will lead the way when he takes out his new best friend, his bike, on August, 25th – 28th for the
Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI), Tour de Leinster 2016.
Over the past few months Aidan has been in training for the DSI Tour de Leinster fundraiser and is looking forward to joining all the participants on the open road and raising much needed funds for the organisation. Speaking about his training and being part of the third Down Syndrome Ireland Tour de Leinster, Aidan said, “I’m not going to lie, it hasn’t been easy and it has been awhile since I was on a bike too! But I’ve really enjoyed getting ready to attempt the cycle and I am delighted to be involved this year. It is so important to support organisations like Down Syndrome Ireland and to ensure their services will always be available to the public”.
The event which is now open for registration is a 4 day, 600km cycling challenge which takes place from 25th – 28th of August 2016. Participants can also look forward to breath-taking scenery as well as the ascents and descents of the open roads across picturesque Leinster. This year cyclists will also have the opportunity to ride alongside one of Ireland’s cycling icons, Tour de France and Giro D’italia Winner Stephen Roche!
Each participant covers their own costs, so that the full funds raised from the Tour de Leinster event will go directly towards benefiting the DSI members with essential services. The funds raised from this year’s Tour de Leinster will be used at a national level to fund a Medical App for Parents of children with Down syndrome. Funds will also help our Leinster branches continue to provide vital services to people with Down syndrome and their families, including New Baby & Toddler Groups; Subsidised Speech & Language and Occupational Therapy; Home Teacher Projects and Arts & Activities Clubs.
For more information and to register, interested participants can visit www.downsyndrome.ie/tour-de-
About Down Syndrome Ireland
Established in 1971, Down Syndrome Ireland is an organisation of people with Down syndrome and their parents and guardians. The charity has over 3,500 member families with 25 branches nationwide and is funded primarily through public fundraising. It is the biggest single group concerned with the welfare of people with a learning disability in Ireland.
About Tour de Leinster
Tour de Leinster is a 4 Day, 600km charity cycle. The Tour is a challenging and inspiring event for everyone involved with the route taking in all the counties of Leinster. Motivated by Down Syndrome Ireland’s very successful involvement with the Tour de Munster cycle, Down Syndrome Ireland have embarked on this new venture and hope to raise vital funds to support our essential work. All the funds raised by the cycle will benefit Down Syndrome Ireland both at National level and across all our Leinster branches.
Last year’s event raised a combined total of €92,000. This was made possible by the hard work and dedication of our cyclists, sponsors and supporters who have helped grow the Tour from its inception in 2014.
A registration fee of €190 is required from each cyclist to participate in the event. This fee covers 2 Tour de Leinster jerseys, all tea/coffee/lunch stops, fully experienced support crew including outriders and medics, luggage vans including day van and overnight luggage van and a Sunday evening homecoming reception. Each cyclist also covers their own hotel cost of €195 which includes 3 nights bed and breakfast with evening meals on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. The total cost of participation, including registration and accommodation is €385 per person.